Today, UCS released its annual factsheet on homelessness. One hundred and sixty-eight persons were identified in Johnson County's 2018 point-in-time (PIT) count of homelessness - a sharp increase after years of decreasing overall numbers. The increased number of unsheltered individuals powered much of the almost 30% one-year rise - although all categories of housing increased somewhat. Understanding who is experiencing homelessness and their barriers to regaining permanent housing is critical in Johnson County's work to end homelessness in 2018 and beyond.

2018 PIT results reverse the recent trend of decreasing numbers of persons identified as experiencing homelessness in Johnson County. An increasing proportion of those experiencing homelessness in Johnson County are single individuals, many of whom are unsheltered due to limited options for emergency housing.

UCS administers the Human Service Fund, a city-county fund that supports programs promoting economic self-reliance and personal safety, and the Alcohol Tax Fund allocation process for the jurisdictions that collect the tax, recommending funding for local organizations to support substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. Click here for details on the upcoming pre-proposal meetings.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE JUNE 13 HUMAN SERVICE SUMMIT

Join UCS for the 2018 Human Service Summit, and be a part of the community conversation about what impacts our health and well-being. This is a unique opportunity to come together with representatives from various community sectors who care deeply about Johnson County. Our community's economic vitality and sustainability is only as healthy as those who live and work in it.

When

8:30 a.m. - NOON

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Where

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

8788 Metcalf

Overland Park, KS 66212

The morning kicks off with Dr. Marci Nielsen as the keynote speaker. A seasoned health policy expert, Dr. Nielsen has served in numerous leadership positions including former Executive Director of the Kansas Health Policy Authority, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs at University of Kansas Medical Center, CEO and President of the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative, and Senior Vice President for Community Engagement at Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience. Today, Dr. Nielsen is the President and CEO of PolicyPRN Consulting.

The Summit includes a multi-sector panel on the health equity issues that affect our region, moderated by Steve Kraske of KCUR and Kansas City Star. During the session, attendees will participate in discussions about what creates a vibrant Johnson County and the role each sector plays in strengthening our community's residents.

Make A Donation: Giving to honor our past and prepare for our future is a great way to help us celebrate 50 years and those who have served our community through UCS. We are happy to offer this easy online giving option.

Our mission: Provide data analysis, lead collaborative planning and mobilize resources to enhance the availability and delivery of health and human services.